Three Women Daringly Rewrite Their Narratives
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour
TYPE OF NOVEL: Historical Fiction
SETTING: London, January 1950
NOTE: This book follows the path of one of the eight main characters from The Jane Austen Society, Evie Stone. This book is standalone and it is not a prerequisite to have read TJAS before reading this book.
THE PREMISE: Life has dealt a difficult hand to the three women who find themselves working at Bloomsbury Books. Vivien lost her fiancé in the war and was then discarded by his aristocratic family, Grace supports her emotionally abusive husband and two sons, and Evie worked tirelessly to realize her dream of graduating from Cambridge only to be passed over for a much-desired academic position. But with men always being the ones in power, is there anything they can do to change their lots, their careers, their lives…?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Post WWII Setting: This story takes us to the transitional time of England in the 1950s. The post-war somberness, the upheaval of life returning to but not ever being normal, the continued rationing and financial struggles for many – all provided vivid representation about life in this era. And through these characters readers witness the sexist, racist, and discriminatory mindsets that existed at that time. Ones that in some ways still sadly exist today.
- Bookshop Life: Natalie Jenner spends a lot of time describing every detail about Bloomsbury Books. In my mind’s eye I can see the layout of the store itself with all its departments and workers, and I can visualize the exterior street with its sights and smells. But in addition to that, the reader learns the culture and environment of Bloomsbury Books through the 51 preordained rules designed by manager Herbert Dutton that sporadically served as relevant chapter epigraphs. Bloomsbury Books feels like a real shop with character, charm, and history that I personally would love to visit.
- Women Supporting Women: I loved the dynamic between the women in this tale! Each woman begins as an island, keeping quiet about their struggles and goals, even though the others are so perceptive and observant they can guess them. And when they all reach a breaking point for themselves, they band together to flip the script in the most ingenious and strategic way possible. I absolutely loved witnessing their actions and cheering for these women. Their mission and goals were ones I heartily applauded.
- Relationships: In addition to friendships between the women characters in this story, there are several other relationships explored between the workers of this bookshop. There were some gentle friendships, some would-be romances, an affair hidden in plain site, and a tempestuous relationship warring between attraction and ambition. I really loved witnessing the variety of these relationships. I appreciated how Ms. Jenner spent time with each character to share their perspectives and inner thoughts through theses exchanges and developments.
- Literary Discoveries and Figures: A lot of the excitement in this story came from Evie’s mission to find an impossibly rare first edition of possibly one of the earliest examples of science fiction work ever printed and the thrilling cameos by important literary and historical figures, such as Peggy Guggenheim, Samuel Beckett, and Daphne Du Maurier. I loved the focus on neglected women writers, rare or lost books, and the representation of women taking action for themselves.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- More and Less: I wouldn’t have minded more time with these characters and their relationship development (especially Grace and Lord Baskin!), and less time spent setting the stage for this story. Like with The Jane Austen Society, I did feel that the culminating chapters of this story came at a brisk pace, and I wouldn’t have minded more scenes taking place on page and less summarization and fast forwards. But I think Natalie Jenner might be similar to Jane Austen with her “less is more” type of conclusions.
IS THIS BOOK FOR AUSTENESQUE/JAFF READERS:
Yes, if you also love stories that take place in a bookshop and bookish environments, and are interested in spending time with women who love books and make exciting changes and discoveries.
No, if you are wanting a story that connects to Jane Austen’s life and/or characters. While that is beautifully present in The Jane Austen Society, it is not found in this novel.
CONCLUSION:
Bloomsbury Girls is an empowering and moving tale about defying your limitations and not being afraid to change the status quo. A remarkable and compelling tale – perfect for readers who love stories about brave women and bookish elements!
I enjoyed this one too and agree about the ending. The time period and the setting was what appealed to me the most. I could’ve spent the whole time with Grace and Lord Baskin!
Interesting review, Meredith. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this review, Meredith. I’ve been on the fence about reading it. I loved The Jane Austen Society, and in some respect I credit that book for easing me into reading more from that time period. I’ve read another war-time book shop book that I loved, which in turn helped me even be more open to reading more.
Why the reluctance? Years ago I utterly burned myself out reading WWII fiction and nonfiction and most dealt with a lot of the Nazis. I couldn’t take anymore and didn’t want to touch that time period with a ten foot pole.
Although Bloomsbury Girls has a thread-like connection the TJAS it wasn’t enough to spur me into reading BG I’m getting the push to read it. Thanks to your review.
I enjoyed the first one and hope to read this book.
I do not remember reading a book set during this period, sound intriguing.
Hi Meredith!
I don’t mind to read a non austenesque novel because this one is about the love for books so I know I will like it!
Thank you so much for your review
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Meredith. I always appreciate your perspective on any book you review. I enjoyed being in a London bookshop with the three main characters. The cast of characters was interesting and engaging, and the literary references were fascinating. I look forward to Jenner’s next novel.